Fitbit Versa inaccurate at higher heart rates

[SkydivingSquid]

This problem certainly isn’t isolated to the versa itself, but rather Fitbit wrist mounted heart rate monitors. When Fitbit typically does not exceed the 153 heart rate zone regardless of my actual heart rate. I tend to train in the mid 180’s to 190s range during my runs. I have owned several Fitbit watches and several chest strap monitors. I currently am running with the Wahoo chest strap which is one of the most accurate athletic monitors for heart rate, stride, pace, and other stats that athletes enjoy reviewing. In comparison (I run with both my Fitbit Versa and Wahoo chest strap), the heart rates are significantly different. If I am running on a treadmill, depending on my speed, the distance can be off significantly as well (though this has to do with calculated stride). 

I am curious if the heart rate inaccuracy is due to placement on the wrist (I wear it like a normal watch and not on the bottom of my wrist) or if it is because of the technology, sensitivity of the sensors, or reading in the wrist location. Honestly, I would like to see Fitbit introduce chest strap pairing to their watches or come up with a better way to get readings. 

As an athlete and a runner, the heart rates displayed and recorded from your Fitbit are very inaccurate above 150. It is however, incredible for resting heart rates down to even the low 40s. I still enjoy the watch - primarily time keeping, sleep, and steps. I would recommend, but I feel this is definitely an issue with any athlete who has trained in higher heart rate zones with any Fitbit product. 

[Marrrmaduke · Accepted solution]

@SkydivingSquid It's got a lot to do with the placement. And it varies from user to user. Some need to wear it tightly, others have limbs that swell so the band needs to be loose. Some need to wear it higher, etc. I never achieve 190. My max is 183 and my Versa handles the whole range beautifully. I saw posts on this forum comparing Polar chest straps and Versa side by side. They were spot on, though they were in 155 bpm max range. There's definitely a margin of error and limitations to the wrist tracker technology, but for the majority of people (those of us who can't do 190 bpm :)) it probably won't matter than much.

ETA: You know I would like to see an app developed for Versa that could serve as a display for the stats read by chest straps. Perhaps you could post your idea on the Feature Suggestions Forum? It would be nice to connect a chest strap if possible.